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Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Columns:  Orioles' not a likely trade candidate in July The Sun 7/14  delivers a dozen in derby but doesn’t advance The Sun 7/13  Five questions facing the Orioles at the All-Star break The Sun 7/13  Orioles prospect Alvarez wins -A Derby MLB.com 7/14  Machado has fun with chips, salsa and 12 HRs MLB.com 7/13  Left field awaits Jones in All-Star Game MLB.com 7/13  Duquette on Orioles' All-Stars: "They all earned the opportunity to be there" MASNsports.com 7/14  Manny Machado eliminated in Home Derby MASNsports.com 7/13  in left field for All-Star Game MASNsports.com 7/13  Orioles put Pat Connaughton on minor league restricted list for now, still hopeful he returns MASNsports.com 7/14  on the trade deadline this month MASNsports.com 7/13  The Latest: NL, AL lineups for All-Star Game announced AP 7/13  Monday's A.M. Hot Clicks: RUZ; Very Old People Throw First Pitches SI.com 7/13  Manny Machado had a salsa break during the Derby SI.com 7/13  Machado runs into a buzzsaw at CSN Baltimore 7/13  AL lineup announced with Adam Jones not in usual position CSN Baltimore 7/13  After Finishing First Half At .500, Orioles Expect Improvement During Second Half PressBoxOnline.com 7/13  Brittany Ghiroli On Concerns For The Orioles At The All Star Break CBS Baltimore 7/14  Orioles Season Midpoint Tied For Third CBS Baltimore 7/13  104- and 108-Year-Old Fans Throw Out First Pitches at Weekend Baseball Games People.com 7/13  MLB Network’s Documentary Hits All the Right Spots AwfulAnnouncing.com 7/13  Middle relievers getting their due at All-Star Game AP 7/13  Kids in play: Why youth rules MLB's All-Star Game USA Today 7/13

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-chris-davis-not-a-likely-trade- candidate-in-july-20150713-story.html

Orioles' Chris Davis not a likely trade candidate in July

By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun July 14, 2015

Every year at the All Star Break, The Baltimore Sun publishes an analysis piece, “Five questions facing the Orioles.”

Within the piece is an item I didn’t want to become overlooked since several people have asked me about the subject. Though, frankly, the concept and result shouldn’t be surprises.

I talked to a source who confirmed that the Orioles have internally discussed whether they should consider trading Chris Davis this month. Ultimately, they decided no, or certainly not while the team is in spitting distance of the .

Davis is a pending free agent at year’s end, and there have been no real negotiations to re-sign him to a long-term deal. Despite his offensive flaws -- he’s hitting .235 with 110 in 307 at-bats -- he is tied with Manny Machado for the team lead in homers with 19 and he is leading the Orioles in RBIs with 52.

Ultimately, I was told the Orioles don’t feel like they can surrender Davis’ production in a lineup that is enigmatic at best, even if it meant getting a solid prospect or two in return. It might be a different story if the Orioles fall completely out of the race by July 31, but if they’re still hanging around, Davis will be, too -- in an Orioles uniform.

It also helps that he’s made a solid transition to right field from first base recently -- he’s no worse there than most of the other the Orioles have ushered to the corners this year -- which assures that Buck Showalter can keep Davis’ bat in the lineup while also playing Chris Parmelee, a defensive whiz, at first, and Jimmy Paredes at DH.

Some fans may think not dealing Davis now is shortsighted, since the Orioles are unlikely to pay him what his market price will demand this offseason. And don’t be mistaken, Davis will get paid handsomely on the open market. He turns 30 next March and has hit 131 homers in the past 3 ½ seasons -- and power is a major commodity in baseball.

One of the incentives for not trading Davis now is that the Orioles will get a compensatory pick following the first round of next year’s draft if Davis rejects the club’s one-year, qualifying offer, which will exceed $16 million, and signs with another team.

Davis, who is making $12 million this year, is advised by agent ; there’s no way Davis would accept the one-year deal instead of seeking security and more millions elsewhere. So if the Orioles were to trade Davis in July, they’d have to make sure what they were getting back is better than what they could land with the 30-something pick in next year’s draft. It would be counterproductive to dump Davis just for salary purposes.

There’s also been some talk among fans that the Orioles could dangle Davis to a team that had an ace, maybe throw in something extra, to get a guy like or . But why would a club that has given up want a pending free agent?

The only scenario I could envision involving Davis being dealt is in August, if he clears trade waivers. Because by then the Orioles might have a better idea as to whether they have a chance at another postseason. But, again, the price in return would have to exceed the value of a high draft pick in 2016.

This situation is not unique to Davis; there are eight current Orioles who are eligible for free agency this winter. But I see no way Wei-Yin Chen or are dealt before July 31 and neither would clear trade waivers, in my opinion.

Some of the other free agents -- , Darren O’Day, -- might have a trade market but may not bring a whole lot in return in July. They could be held on to until August and their markets probably wouldn’t change much.

Bud Norris could be traded this month if there is a match. Wesley Wright's roster spot is in jeopardy, regardless. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-manny-delivers-a-dozen-in-derby-but- doesn-t-advance-20150713-story.html

Manny Machado delivers a dozen in Derby but doesn't advance

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun July 13, 2015

Manny Machado looked like he was positioned well to advance in Monday night’s All-Star Home Run Derby, but rookie clearly had other ideas.

Machado jacked 12 homers in his four-minute round and bonus time, which was pretty impressive, but the ball can get out of ’s in a hurry and Pederson hit 13 in just two minutes and 55 seconds in his first try.

Not surprisingly, the new Derby format is a lot more entertaining than the old one, which could drag on since it advantaged players to wait for the perfect batting practice pitch to swing. With the clock running, there is every reason to swing at every pitch, so the competition moves at a much more entertaining pace.

Chances are, it wasn’t the last time we’ll see Machado taking part in the pre-All-Star festivities. He's just getting his legs under him after those two serious knee injuries and his power has begun to make itself known. He’s got 19 regular-season homers and is tied with Chris Davis for the club lead at the break. Who, really, would have predicted that?

All of the Orioles All-Stars seemed to be having a great time on Monday night. Darren O’Day and Zach Britton appeared on the MLB Network pre-Derby show and Adam Jones seemed to be bouncing around everywhere. He even brought some Machado’s Salsa out to Manny during his mid-round timeout.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-five-questions-0714-20150713- story.html#page=1

Five questions facing the Orioles at the All-Star break

By Dan Connolly / The Baltimore Sun July 13, 2015

Mine deep enough and you can find positives in the Orioles' 44-44 first half: They played chunks of it without key starters such as Matt Wieters, J.J. Hardy and .

Third baseman Manny Machado has taken another step toward stardom after ending the past two seasons with knee injuries. Lefty Zach Britton is even more efficient at closing games and Adam Jones, despite dealing with nagging injuries and a revolving cast of outfield mates, is having his best defensive season. No American League team has made fewer errors.

Throw in Ubaldo Jimenez's resurgence and the unexpected emergence of Jimmy Paredes and reliever Chaz Roe, and it can't be considered a lost half — especially since the Orioles are only four the first-place in the AL East.

But no way can this club be satisfied with where it is right now. The defending division champions have lost 10 of 13 and are back at .500 — far behind their 52-42 record at last year's All Star break.

Chris Tillman (5.40 ERA) and Bud Norris (6.86) have been major disappointments. The corner outfield spots have been a spinning carousel. and Alejandro De Aza are already off the roster. Chris Davis has been playing right field recently to fill the void. His power is back (19 homers) but he's struck out 110 times in 307 at-bats.

The Orioles are sixth of 15 AL teams in runs scored and batting average and 10th in on-base percentage. They are second in the league in average with runners in scoring position at .290, but have hit .071 in those situations in their last 11 games (5-for-70).

The pitching staff is also middling, sixth overall in ERA in the AL but 10th in rotation ERA (4.20) and 14th in most thrown by starters. The stout has, for the most part, once again rescued the rotation, posting a 2.90 ERA, third in the league.

The inconsistency can't continue if the Orioles hope to get back to the postseason. Here is our annual All-Star break edition of five questions facing the Orioles, with the best answers we can provide at this confusing, murky point in the club's year.

1. Will they be a buyer at the July 31 trade deadline?

The short answer is yes. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette is not one to do nothing, and he acknowledges the club needs reinforcements, particularly at the top of the rotation and with a quality bat in left field.

"We're going to continue to try and add to the ballclub to make the club stronger," Duquette said. "We probably have some players at Triple-A that can help us in the second half of the year, and we'll probably look for something to supplement our pitching staff."

Since the Orioles already have six starting — including Norris, who is relegated to the bullpen — and a few other possibilities in the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk, does that mean he's looking primarily at bullpen help?

"Not necessarily. I just think we are going to try and make our pitching staff stronger," Duquette said. "It might be a starter, it might be a reliever. I'm not sure what the market will be. There are a lot of teams in the hunt that are looking to upgrade their ballclubs, too, so it's going to be very competitive."

Frankly, Duquette's trades are typically under-the-radar acquisitions that fill needs and are not major headliners. Last year, he landed lefty reliever in a trade that didn't receive a lot of attention, but helped propel the Orioles to the playoffs.

Miller is with the New York Yankees now and the Orioles again could use a shutdown lefty late in games. has posted a 2.28 ERA in 27 games but has walked an alarming 16 batters.

What this team really needs, though, is an ace to anchor the rotation — and that brings us to the next question.

2. Do the Orioles have what it takes to make a trade deadline splash?

This is a short answer, too. No. Or maybe it should be written this way: Not that they'd be willing to give up. There are plenty of big names floating around the rumor mill this month, including a few aces in Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto, Philadelphia's Cole Hamels and San Diego's James Shields. In addition, an established corner such as Cincinnati's or San Diego's could be acquired in the right deal.

But to land those players, another team would have to give up a legitimate building block for the future, and one that likely is ready to play now. Unfortunately for the Orioles, their two top prospects, right-handers and , have had their 2015 seasons truncated by arm injuries. At this point neither can be considered the centerpiece of a significant deal — maybe a second or third option, but not the main ingredient that gets a deal done.

The Orioles only have three players 25 or younger that currently fit that "big upside, ready to contribute" label right now: Machado, Schoop and starting . The Orioles understandably view all three as major parts of their present and future and almost certainly wouldn't part with any of the three.

The Orioles have some prospects who might be coveted in a less significant deal: Jomar Reyes, catcher Chance Sisco and pitchers Mike Wright, and , but they likely would not command an ace in return, even if packaged together.

When asked if he thought he had the inventory to trade for a star this month, Duquette responded flatly: "I don't know the answer to that question. The seller sets the price. … Our farm system, we have some good players. But whether we have the wherewithal to make that type of trade, I guess we are going to find out."

3. If losses mount, could the Orioles sell off pending free agents?

A fire sale is highly unlikely. Although maybe a piece or two could be traded if the Orioles hit a tailspin so severe in the next two weeks that they are suddenly 10 games or more out of first place and the wild-card race. If they continue to tread water, though, it would be surprising if they subtracted and not added, especially considering their number of free agents this winter.

A large chunk of their nucleus — Wieters, Davis, Steve Pearce, Wei-Yin Chen, Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter, Norris — will be eligible for free agency in November. As will injured reliever Wesley Wright, who could be designated for assignment shortly if there is no roster spot open when his injury rehabilitation assignment ends.

According to a source, the Orioles had internal discussions about potentially shopping Davis, since Chris Parmelee has proven to be outstanding defensively. But the consensus is that the club couldn't afford to give up Davis' power bat right now and that any return would have to be significantly better than the compensatory draft pick the club would get this winter if Davis signs elsewhere.

Norris has struggled, but he did win 15 games last year. The Orioles think their bullpen is stronger with him in long relief, but the career starter wants to be in a rotation. It wouldn't be surprising if Norris is dealt, but the return would be minimal given his high ERA and roughly $4- plus million remaining on his contract this year.

4. How will the second half rotation shake out?

At this point, barring injury, Norris looks to be the odd man out, with Gausman expected to re- join the rotation on July 22 or July 23 in New York. Gausman, who has had an unsettled first half, bouncing around in the Orioles' bullpen and rotation, the minors and the disabled list, is expected to get a full opportunity every fifth day in the second half.

Gausman's leash should be long, but the Orioles do have Norris as a potential replacement — he was outstanding in the second half last year —- as well as Wright, Tyler Wilson and Davies in the minors. Tillman needs to pitch better, but manager Buck Showalter is exceptionally loyal to veterans who have served him well in the past.

The Orioles' two-time starter will continue to get chances to turn around his season. Given his awful 2014, the skeptics haven't completely abandoned Jimenez, but he's given no indication this year that he can't continue to produce quality outings.

Chen has been the club's best starter and Gonzalez hasn't always pitched to his capabilities, but he's a bulldog who excels against the division. And that should come in handy in September. Really, any one of the current starters, besides the lefty Chen, could lose his spot if another is acquired.

5. Which Oriole has the most to lose or gain in the second half?

It has to be Wieters, who has been eased back into a starting role behind the plate since returning on June 5 from elbow surgery. He started in consecutive games as a catcher for the first time last week and hopes to continue to progress until he is back into a normal rotation of four or five games behind the plate per week.

It would be a win-win for Wieters and the Orioles. A pending free agent, the more he shows he can catch, the deeper his market will be. And the Orioles could use his bat, leadership and experience on the field as much as possible in the second half. He's hit .265 with three homers in his first 89 at-bats in 2015 after not facing big league pitching for a year. Although backup played solidly in Wieters' absence, Wieters' calming presence and big target behind the plate is difficult to replicate.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/136630360/dariel-alvarez-wins-to-triple-a-home-run-derby

Orioles prospect Alvarez wins Triple-A Derby

By Bernie Pleskoff / MLB.com July 14, 2015

OMAHA, Neb. -- It may not have had the same intensity or panache as the exciting new format and conclusion of the Major League event, but the Triple-A Home Run Derby on Monday night had drama and excitement right to the end.

In dramatic fashion on a very muggy night at beautiful Werner Park, 6-foot-2, 180-pound Orioles prospect Dariel Alvarez, a Cuban player signed as an international free agent in 2013, claimed the highly prized glittering gold colored championship belt.

Six Triple-A home run hitters and two highly touted high school sluggers went toe-to-toe in a three-round match before 7,011 fans.

Using a traditional three-round formula that included cumulative scores and an orange bonus ball in the first two rounds, the final round consisted of only the top two qualifiers.

The first round allowed for 10 outs, the second round seven outs and the final round allowed for seven as well.

Participants included (Indians) first baseman Jesus Aguilar, (Orioles) outfielder Alvarez, Charlotte Knights (White Sox) infielder Matt Davidson, El Paso Chihuahuas (Padres) infielder Cody Decker, Reno Aces (D-backs) infielder Jamie Romak and Reno Aces (D-backs) outfielder Peter O'Brien.

Joining the group were Omaha Roncalli Catholic High School slugger Alex Bohm and Papillion- La Vista High School standout Jack Kalina.

The first round saw O'Brien belt 13 home runs to take a commanding lead. Many of his homers were hit to dead center field. He was well ahead in the Derby before Alvarez caught up to him in Round 2, as O'Brien seemed to tire a bit. They were tied going into the finals.

In each of the first two rounds, an orange ball was used once before 10 outs were recorded. If a home run was hit using the orange ball, points were scored. However, in the final round, use of the orange ball was repeated and scores were doubled until an out was made using the colored ball. Both Alvarez and O'Brien hit two home runs using the orange ball.

Alvarez garnered six points in the final round before he made seven outs. That meant O'Brien needed six to tie and seven to win as he came to the plate as the last batter.

O'Brien hit some majestic shots and was within one home run of tying the score with one out remaining. With the crowd in frenzy, O'Brien lofted a high, deep drive to left-center field. But the ball fell short of the fence. Alvarez was the winner by one home run.

As things turned out, Alex Bohm may have hit the longest home run of the evening. He lofted a ball that went deep to the back of the left-field seats. O'Brien came close to matching the length, but it looked like the high school slugger's longest drive may have had more distance than any of several tremendous blasts hit by O'Brien. No exact home run measurements were announced.

The dimensions of Werner Park are very fair. It is 310 feet down the left-field line, 383 feet to left-center, 402 feet to dead center field, 355 feet to right-center field and 315 feet to right field. All of the participants hit right-handed. Not one ball was hit to right field.

Where was the wind blowing? What little wind existed was blowing from left to right field. Wind was not a factor. And that's a good thing. These men blasted their home runs with their own strength, and good, solid hitting mechanics.

Using bats with very thin handles and thin barrels for increased bat speed, all the participants hit at least two cumulative home runs. Nobody was shut out. The Clippers' Aguilar and the Aces' O'Brien hit a great number of their majestic home runs to the deepest part of the park.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/136581884/manny-machado-eliminated-in-round-1-of- derby

Machado has fun with chips, salsa and 12 HRs

By Anthony DiComo / MLB.com July 13, 2015

CINCINNATI -- There wasn't much that Orioles third baseman Manny Machado did wrong in the first round of the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders. It's just that he had the misfortune of matching up against Joc Pederson, who did everything right before finally succumbing in the finals to hometown champion .

Machado, the fifth seed, hit a dozen homers in his first competitive Derby at any level but was eliminated when Pederson bested him with 13 in this year's new timed, bracket format.

"If you hit 12, that's a whole bunch," Machado said. "I didn't think I was going to be outhit, but it was interesting. I like the new format. At least I gave myself a chance to go on to the next level, but I guess 12 wasn't a lucky number."

Earlier in the day, Machado said that his main goal was simply to have fun. He certainly accomplished that, even entertaining the crowd at Great American Ball Park by eating chips and salsa during his timeout. Machado's All-Star experience will continue when he comes off the bench in Tuesday's main event.

During the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

MLB.TV Premium subscribers will be able to live stream the All-Star Game via MLB.TV through FOX's participating video providers. Access will be available across more than 400 supported MLB.TV platforms, including the award-winning MLB.com app.

The 86th Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally by FOX Sports (coverage begins 7 p.m. ET), in Canada by Rogers and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Though Machado said there was no way he could prepare for the Home Run Derby, he felt confident that a lifetime of swinging for the fences during batting practice would serve him well.

"We do Home Run Derby every day," he said. "Every team, every player here has done it throughout the year. This is just doing it at the main stage now -- the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game."

By most standards, Machado succeeded in his first taste of the event. He hit five home runs before his timeout, which he used just about halfway through his round. Then, after enjoying the snack that teammate Adam Jones provided for him, Machado hit five more. During his 30- second bonus round, he hit another two.

"It gave me a few extra home runs," Machado said, laughing. "It gave me a little extra power."

Salsa-powered or not, it was a strong Derby output, particularly for a first-time competitor. But Pederson, who has 20 regular-season home runs to Machado's 19, made sure it wouldn't be enough.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/136597726/adam-jones-playing-left-field-in-all-star-game

Left field awaits Jones in All-Star Game O's center fielder batting sixth in AL lineup; Britton, O'Day, Machado also at Midsummer Classic

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com July 13, 2015

CINCINNATI -- The American League's wealth of capable center fielders necessitated that someone would have to carry his glove out to an unfamiliar position in Tuesday's All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile (7 p.m. ET on FOX), but there will be no complaints heard from Adam Jones when he plays left field for the first time in an Orioles uniform.

Replacing the injured , Jones was playing left field and batting sixth in the lineup announced by AL manager Ned Yost, who apologized to Jones during his news conference. of the Angels will play center field and Lorenzo Cainof the Royals is shifting over to right field.

"We shall see about left field. I haven't played left field since '07 [with the Mariners]," Jones said. "It should be fun. I'll remember. All I do in center field is go catch the ball. You see it, go try and catch. If I do, cool. If I don't, damn, throw it back in. That's all every time."

Jones is one of four Baltimore players representing the franchise in Cincinnati. Manny Machadoparticipated in the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders on Monday -- he hit 12 homers, but was eliminated in Round 1 -- while relievers Darren O'Day and Zach Britton are savoring their first All-Star selections.

"It's pretty cool to be here, as a guy who came up through the Orioles' system," Britton said. "You think about where I was two years ago, trying to figure out how to get to the big leagues and be successful again. Going to the bullpen, never having been a reliever before, and to now be an All-Star -- it's been pretty special to experience this. It's something that you never know if you're going to be able to do again."

Britton is among the AL leaders with 23 saves, while O'Day is 5-0 with a 1.07 ERA in 35 games. Over 33 2/3 innings, the sidearmer O'Day has allowed just four earned runs with eight walks against 45 strikeouts to secure a spot alongside other All-Star setup men like and .

"The way the bullpen is stressed now, you've got multiple quality bullpen pitchers," O'Day said. "Davis or Betances, on any other team they'd be closers. I think the players are just voting that they want to see who they want to get those outs if they're playing in the . Ned was nice enough to select me; I guess he likes my work."

After missing just five games over the previous three years, Jones was sidelined with both ankle and shoulder injuries, but he managed to avoid the disabled list. He is batting .281 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs, and said he'd celebrate by having 15 racks of Montgomery Inn barbecue ribs sent to the AL clubhouse.

"It's amazing. It doesn't get any better than this," Jones said. "Obviously the postseason is where it goes down, but the All-Star Game is pretty damn cool."

Machado, also chosen by the players, comes in having hit a career-high 19 home runs with 48 RBIs. This marks his second All-Star selection, and he said that a full offseason of training coming off two consecutive season-ending knee surgeries made it possible.

"It's awesome to see how many people we have here, just showing the world what the organization has come to. It's putting us back on the map," Machado said.

During the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile in Cincinnati on Tuesday, fans can once again visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy. MLB.TV Premium subscribers will be able to live stream the All-Star Game via MLB.TV through FOX's participating video providers. Access will be available across more than 400 supported MLB.TV platforms, including the award-winning MLB.com At Bat app.

The 86th Midsummer Classic will be televised nationally by FOX Sports (coverage begins 7 p.m. ET), in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/07/duquette-on-orioles-all-stars-they-all- earned-the-opportunity-to-be-there.html

Duquette on Orioles' All-Stars: "They all earned the opportunity to be there"

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com July 14, 2015

During the most recent airing of "Wall to Wall Baseball" on MASN, the panel was asked to choose the most probable Oriole to win Most Valuable Player honors in tonight's All-Star Game.

The two relievers, Zach Britton and Darren O'Day, were unanimously eliminated for the obvious reason. It's hard to win MVP after pitching one or less. They could strike out the side and they're still not bringing home the hardware. Or the truck. Whatever the prize.

So we're down to Adam Jones and Manny Machado. Jones is starting and could get more at-bats, which translates to more opportunities. Machado could deliver a game-changing hit late in the game. I'm going with Machado for that reason. Perhaps he mixes in a web gem, too.

I recently asked executive vice president Dan Duquette how he felt about the Orioles having four representatives in the All-Star Game.

"The Orioles are going to have some good representation at the game," he said. "This is Jones' fifth and he's one of the better players in the American League. Manny's had a terrific year. His more disciplined approach at the plate has yielded him some home runs. He's showing excellent home run power to the opposite field and he's playing great defense. He's also been a very good baserunner. He's just a complete player.

"I don't know how the American League could overlook his ability to help their club, and they didn't, so he's on there."

Too bad none of his home runs last night in the Derby came with runners in scoring position, but I digress ...

"Zach Britton worked really hard to become one of the top closers in the league," Duquette said. "He's been recognized. And Darren O'Day has been doing a workmanlike job his whole career and he put together a really good first half of the season. So good for them. They all earned the opportunity to be there."

O'Day deserved the honor last year, as well, but it's much harder for a non- to be chosen. "It's unique for setup relievers to make the club," Duquette said. "Darren has been one of the better relievers in the league for a couple of years. It's nice for him to be recognized by manager Ned Yost. And Zach has worked especially hard to make himself into a consistent closer. It's a tough job and Zach has excelled. He earned this distinction. They all did.

"Zach made the transition from starting pitcher to reliever and he has really come into his own." Meanwhile, manager Buck Showalter will be featured in a new episode of "MLB Network Presents" on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Showalter sat down with Bob Costas - and he was still taller - as the network looked back at his career and also conducted interviews with wife Angela, Jones and former Yankees executive Gene Michael.

MLB Network provided clips and quotes to the media. Stop here if you don't want a preview.

On what other profession he would have pursued outside baseball:

"Probably teach or coach in some form. My dad was a principal. Try going to high school when your dad's the principal. I probably would've been a teacher. Groundskeeper. I love groundskeeping - golf course, . I'd have been happy, too. I'd have been happy."

On his favorite baseball movie:

"The Sandlot. That was me, growing up. We had six or seven of us. That's how I learned to hit the ball the other way. You learn how to argue. The guys said, 'You're not playing,' (and I said), 'Why?' and they said, 'Play better.' That was it. It was nothing handed to you. You didn't get a trophy for participating. I wouldn't change my upbringing for anything."

On his transition from minor league player to coach:

"I've always been a good self-evaluator. When I saw (Don) Mattingly and Steve Balboni, I knew I wasn't going to be the first baseman or left fielder for the Yankees. I didn't hit enough balls where the grass doesn't grow. (The Yankees) offered me a chance to play Triple-A for them again or I could start coaching. There's such a thing as stability and I took the opportunity and ran with it with no aspirations as to where it would take me."

On his relationship with former Yankees manager :

"Everybody looked at him as some cartoon character that got in fights, but he was brilliant. He would use numbers to verify his gut. He wasn't some swashbuckling guy that just flew off the handle all the time. That part people missed about Billy. He would go, 'Let's see what you think. Don't give us some stock answer.'"

On his relationship with late Yankees owner :

"We had our moments, but Mr. Steinbrenner afforded me the chance to support my family and stay in the great game that I love for 19 years, and it was pretty special. It still is."

On managing during the 1995 ALDS:

"We brought him up in the playoffs and had him travel with us. It was funny. I told him and somebody else who was up with him, 'Listen, this is not the time to take a vacation. If I hear about you running the streets at 21 years old, we'll get you down to the Instructional League right away.' Derek told me later that they didn't leave the hotel the whole time, they were afraid somebody was going to think they were out running around."

On leaving the Yankees after the 1995 season:

"Basically I was asked to fire four coaches. It was as simple as that, and I didn't do it and I knew what was going to happen."

On succeeding him as Yankees manager:

"I think it was great for Joe, and he was the perfect guy to come in there. Everybody got to see how good Joe was because he was with some clubs (that) physically weren't very talented, and so it worked out for everybody. Life's too short. I'm glad that it got to the end game that it should've gotten to. It was perfect, and it's funny, the kinship, the relationship that Joe and I have developed over the years, especially the last two or three years. It was pretty competitive before because we were in other dugouts, but I think there's a real healthy respect. I know there is with me for him."

On whether he contemplated walking Derek Jeter during his last at-bat at :

"I'd never tell. It ended well for everybody. How's that?"

On success in the postseason:

"I think winning when you're expected to win is the most challenging thing to do as a team in sports because the mentality is so hard to maintain. That's what we're trying to do, that mentality you have to have to keep that edge. I remember like it was yesterday in the Kingdome after Game 5 in the playoffs. I remember last year after the last out in Kansas City. I mean, it's what drives you. I see why a lot of people when they win they said, 'That's it boys, see you later. I'm going down the Dixie Highway here.' I asked Jimmy Leyland last year, I said, 'Jimmy, how'd you know? How'd you know it was time?' He goes, 'The losses hurt more, and the wins didn't give me enough acceleration to offset the losses.'"

On his future in baseball:

"This is my last rodeo. I'm 58, going to be 59 here. I ain't getting out of this alive. I get the shelf life of us. I got it. It's shortened up. You know, they'll give me about a 10-minute notice, I'll clean my stuff up, say 'Thanks for the opportunity,' kiss a couple of heads on the way out and say, 'Gosh, I can't believe I fooled 'em that long.' But, you know, you do take it personal, but you don't take it as personal as you did at one point in your life. You realize that you're not the only one that's got an idea. There's people as good if not better than you. At some point your voice gets old. Each day passes, I realize how lucky I am."

On the Orioles' legacy:

"We've got some statues out there, some monuments. You might want to take a trip out there, there's some pretty good players. It's like I told Adam Jones, I said, 'Adam, you know, you could have one of those out there one day.' I said, 'But you know what the difference with all those guys is? Every one of 'em was on a championship team.' That's how you get statues in Baltimore."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/07/manny-machado-eliminated-in-home-run- derby.html

Manny Machado eliminated in Home Run Derby

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com July 13, 2015

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was eliminated in the first round of tonight's Home Run Derby at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Machado hit 12 home runs with Orioles coach Einar Diaz pitching to him, the last two coming in the bonus round under the new format. But the Dodgers' Joc Pederson belted 13 home runs within the four-minute round and advanced against the Angels' . Pederson still had a minute left when No. 13 cleared the fence.

Toronto's hit nine home runs to beat the Cubs' , who had eight. The Reds' Todd Frazier hit 14 to eliminate , who launched 13.

Machado's last three home runs in his four-minute round averaged 458.7 feet, according to statcast. His longest shot measured 469 feet.

Machado wore his cap backward, reminding viewers of Ken Griffey Jr., who threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his father.

The highlight for me was Adam Jones, during a timeout, bringing Machado a bottle of Gatorade and a plate of chips with his teammate's salsa. But no championship belt for Machado.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/07/adam-jones-in-left-field-for-all-star- game.html

Adam Jones in left field for All-Star Game

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com July 13, 2015

The All-Star Game may be an exhibition, but the basic rules apply, including how there's room for only one center fielder in each lineup.

Adam Jones, the only starter for the Orioles, will play left field and bat sixth for the American League. Jones is replacing the Royals' Alex Gordon, who sustained a groin injury.

AL manager Ned Yost is putting the Angels' Mike Trout in center field and the Royals' in right field. All three players normally patrol center during the regular season, though Cain has moved to right in the later innings as a defensive upgrade.

Jones played 26 games in left field with the Mariners in 2007, starting 11 games. Trout has played 124 in left, Cain only two.

Yost apologized to Jones, a four-time Gold Glove winner, during his press conference, noting that he had three center fielders and only one spot for them.

Jones is playing in his fifth All-Star Game and making his third consecutive start. He's 1-for-7 with a double, RBI, run scored and three strikeouts. His in 2009 scored with the winning run in the AL's 4-3 victory.

Jones started in center field in 2013 and 2014, with Trout in left field.

Manny Machado, chosen as a reserve, could end up batting second in the later innings of Tuesday's game as Josh Donaldson's replacement at third base.

Here are the lineups:

For the American League Mike Trout CF Josh Donaldson 3B Albert Pujols 1B DH Lorenzo Cain RF Adam Jones LF Salvador Perez C Jose Altuve 2B Alcides Escobar SS Dallas Keuchel LHP

For the Andrew McCutchen CF Todd Frazier 3B RF 2B C Anthony Rizzo DH Jhonny Peralta SS Joc Pederson LF DJ LeMahieu 2B

Zack Greinke RHP

Tonight's Home Run Derby is in jeopardy due to the heavy rain in Cincinnati. Machado is facing Pederson in the first round.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/07/orioles-put-pat-connaughton-on-minor- league-suspended-list-for-now-still-hopeful-he-returns.html

Orioles put Pat Connaughton on minor league restricted list for now, still hopeful he returns

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com July 14, 2015

Pat Connaughton is currently playing basketball for the Portland Trail Blazers summer league team. While he is trying to make that team's roster for the coming NBA season, the Oriolesstill out hope that one day he will be pitching in the major leagues for them.

They seem to feel Connaughton has a better future in baseball and the door remains open for him to return. The Orioles drafted Connaughton out of Notre Dame in the fourth round last summer. He then pitched 14 2/3 innings to an ERA of 2.45 at short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

In that short sample, Connaughton impressed the O's brass with a that touched 96 mph and he did enough to be ranked No. 11 among all O's prospects after the 2014 season by .

But Connaughton had a big senior season in basketball at Notre Dame and led the Irish to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. He was then drafted in the second round of the NBA draft last month, 41st overall by the Brooklyn Nets, before he was traded to Portland. Last week he signed with the Trail Blazers and joined their summer league team.

I asked Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette where Connaughton stands with the organization right now?

"His contract is currently on the Aberdeen roster and he is on the suspended (restricted) list, because he didn't report. Our position is that he has a future in and eventually he will come to that realization," Duquette said.

Placing Connaughton on the suspended list, also known as the restricted list, seems to be only a procedural move, not a punitive one. It simply means Connaughton is under contract with the Orioles, but is not getting a 2015 minor league salary.

Through the process of yearly renewal of minor league contracts, the Orioles hold the baseball rights to Connaughton through the 2020 season.

Duquette would not confirm or deny a report that the Orioles would seek to recoup some or all of Connaughton's $428,100 signing bonus if he plays in the NBA.

"I think that he still has a future in major league baseball and I think eventually he will come to that realization," is all Duquette would say when asked about getting any of that bonus money back.

In an interview with the Portland Oregonian, Connaughton indicated it would be easier to return to baseball after pursuing a basketball career than the other way around.

"The way I look at it at this point in my life I could never stop playing basketball and then ever come back to it," he said. "It just wouldn't work with the skills you need, the athleticism you need and things of that nature. That's not to say it's easy to ever go back to a professional sport such as baseball. But at the same time you have a better chance if you don't make it in basketball going back to trying to re-fire up the arm than vice versa."

I asked Duquette if he is concerned that Connaughton will not return to the Orioles.

"I don't have a sense for how gifted a basketball player he is, but I do know that, with a little bit of time in the minors, that he could develop into a good pitcher. He has all the equipment to be a good major league starting pitcher. He has a lot of good qualities and were he to apply himself to baseball, he could develop the skills to be a major league starter. I believe he has a better future in baseball. I have always believed that," Duquette said.

When the Orioles introduced Connaughton at a press conference on June 12, 2014 at Camden Yards, Connaughton told the reporters there he intended to return to Notre Dame, but he also planned to play baseball full-time after his senior season of hoops at Notre Dame.

He said that day: "I will take a little pause when I go back to school, play basketball and get my degree. I'll graduate in December (of 2014) and when basketball season is over I'll have no more obligation to Notre Dame. I'll have degree in hand and basketball obligation complete and be able to attack this thing (baseball) full-time."

I recently reminded Duquette of that quote and asked him if Connaughton said the same to the Orioles when the microphones were not around?

"Interesting," he said. "Interesting. He signed a contract with the team. Doesn't matter what he says. It is really what the contract says. I generally go by what people do rather than what they say. But I still believe in Pat Connaughton as a major league baseball player. The sooner that he resumes his career in baseball, the sooner he will be able to monetize those skills," Duquette said.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/07/dan-duquette-on-the-trade-deadline-this- month.html

Dan Duquette on the trade deadline this month

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com July 13, 2015

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette feels the countdown this month to the non-waiver trade deadline could and should be active throughout baseball with plenty of trade discussions that will include the O's pursuing one or more deals to fortify their team for the stretch run.

"Our team is in contention and there are a lot of teams in contention, so there is going to be a robust trade market," Duquette said. "But it is going to be a seller's market because there are so many teams in the hunt."

How many teams look to be sellers? "Just a handful," Duquette said.

In losing 10 of 13 games to end the first half, the Orioles have fallen back to .500 at 44-44. They have eight pending free agents to include players like Matt Wieters, Chris Davis and Wei-Yin Chen. But Duquette indicated there is very little chance that the Orioles would sell off one or two players while at the same time looking to add in other areas.

"Our pending free agents, the most value they could have would be to this year's ballclub and their contribution to this year's team. So any pending free agents, we'd like to see them play their best for the Orioles and help us accomplish our goals. That has been our focus all year," he said.

"We have some pretty solid depth to the team and within our organization. Our club is in the hunt and we want to stay in the hunt and we're going to do what we can to supplement our major league club."

I asked Duquette what he felt other teams would seek back from the Orioles in potential trade discussions?

"I'm sure the clubs that will be trading established major league players will be looking for future major league players. There are a lot of teams in the hunt with the second wild card and parity in the league. Our division is very competitive and all the teams are focused on winning. It is a tough division.

"I don't agree with people that say the American League East is down this year. The American League East is tough every year. In our division, everyone is grinding it out to advance to the playoffs," he said.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/07/13/ap-bbo-all-star-home-run-derby-latest

The Latest: NL, AL lineups for All-Star Game announced

Associated Press / SI.com July 13, 2015

CINCINNATI (AP) Here are the latest developments from baseball's All-Star Game festivities in Cincinnati, where sluggers are competing in the Home Run Derby on Monday night before Tuesday's game to decide home field advantage in the World Series (all times local):

10:33 p.m.

Hometown All-Star Todd Frazier has won the Home Run Derby at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, outslugging Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson 15-14 in the final round Monday night in the first year of a bracket format.

The Reds' Frazier defeated ' Prince Fielder 14-13 in the first round and dispatched Toronto's Josh Donaldson 10-9 in the second round.

Red-clad fans chanted Frazier's name and cheered his every homer throughout the night. Tied entering his 30-second bonus round, Frazier hit the first pitch for the title.

Pederson advanced by beating Baltimore's Manny Machado in the first round 13-12 and topping the Angels' Albert Pujols, the derby's No. 1 seed, 12-11 in the second round.

For the first time, players were seeded and placed in an elimination bracket. They had four minutes per round and each hitter received a 30-second bonus for hitting two drives farther than 425 feet.

--- 10:25 p.m.

Joc Pederson continues his power display and puts Todd Frazier in a tight spot in the final.

Pederson said after the semifinal round that he's not sure his 14 homers will hold up against Frazier. But, he says: ''At least I make him work for it if he wins.''

--- 10:15 p.m.

And rookie Joc Pederson advances to the Home Run Derby final to face Reds star Todd Frazier.

Albert Pujols started off his semifinal with three straight homers but finished the first four minutes with 10.

The 35-year-old Pujols only managed one more in the bonus 30 seconds even after getting a toweling off from AL All-Star teammate Nelson Cruz during the brief break.

--- 10:02 p.m.

Joc Pederson put on another impressive display, homering to all fields in putting up a 12 with a long of 448 feet.

The Dodgers rookie awaits the result of veteran slugger Albert Pujols, who looked effortless in his first round.

--- 9:46 p.m.

It's Todd Frazier, with the clock running to zero!

Fans let out a huge roar, chanting ''Frazier! Frazier!'' as fireworks shot off after his 10th homer sailed over the center field wall on his final swing.

After a few tired hacks, he sent the tying shot off the batter's black in straightaway center field before knocking out Donaldson.

The 1998 Little League World Series champion from New Jersey faces the winner of the Joc Pederson-Albert Pujols semifinal.

--- 9:40 p.m.

Josh Donaldson led off his second round at the Home Run Derby with a nine.

Of course, the Toronto slugger is matched up against Todd Frazier so the chants for the Reds star started as soon as Donaldson took his final cut.

Frazier steps in, and the sold-out stadium is loud again.

--- 9:28 p.m.

Albert Pujols homered as the 4-minute buzzer sounded to reach 10 and knock out from the Home Run Derby on Monday night.

Taking a deliberate pace, Pujols averaged 422 feet with a long of 446.

He looked at times as if he decided to his energy for later rounds.

The final four of the bracket-style derby is now set: Cincinnati's Todd Frazier will face Toronto slugger Josh Donaldson in one semifinal, while Pujols will take on Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson for the other spot in the final.

--- 9:23 p.m.

Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant put himself in precarious position, hitting nine home runs that averaged 427 mixed with a lot of foul balls and flyouts.

Bryant's high was 462 feet.

The Angels' Albert Pujols now tries to knock him out.

--- 9:08 p.m.

Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson showed perhaps the most power thus far in the Home Run Derby.

He hit 13 homers to knock out Baltimore's Manny Machado, passing Machado with more than 90 seconds left to try to hit more home runs.

Pederson stroked a pair of opposite-field homers to left center and hit 13 in all, averaging 426 feet and topping out at 487.

--- 9:00 p.m.

Another right-handed batter, Baltimore's Manny Machado, pumped out 12 home runs to left field that averaged 431 feet in the first round of the Home Run Derby on Monday night.

With the crowd somewhat subdued after spending its energy on Reds star Todd Frazier, Machado had to supply his own adrenaline. His longest drive was 469 feet.

Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson is up next, trying to get to 13.

--- 8:48 p.m.

Hometown star Todd Frazier eliminated Prince Fielder in the first round of the Home Run Derby, hitting 14 drives that averaged 422 feet.

Aiming at left field, Frazier hit a long shot of 455 feet.

The crowd loved his power, repeatedly chanting: ''Let's Go Frazier!''

Frazier tied Fielder in the waning seconds before his 30 seconds of bonus time, then used the bonus time to get the win and move on.

Frazier will face star Josh Donaldson in the second round.

--- 8:40 p.m.

Two-time derby champion Prince Fielder got right to it.

The designated hitter connected with a 435 foot homer on his first swing and had 13 overall.

His longes home run went 474 feet, still a few rows shy of leaving the ballpark. He used his timeout with just 16 seconds left in his 30-second bonus.

Next up, Reds fan favorite Todd Frazier. And the ovation is huge.

--- 8:30 p.m.

Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays needed just three swings to get into a groove.

He ran off a streak of six home runs in a row, all to left field, and easily beat Anthony Rizzo in their first round matchup Monday night in the Home Run Derby.

Donaldson finished with nine long balls and passed up his 30-second bonus. Donaldson will face the winner of the Albert-Pujols-Kris Bryant matchup.

--- 8:20 p.m.

Anthony Rizzo took nine cuts, then stepped out of the batter's box with 3 minutes left in the round for a break. He then connected on his 11th swing for his first home run.

He just missed leaving the ballpark, with a 426-foot drive to right field that fell a few rows short of a possible dip in the River. Two of his seven homers were farther than 425 feet, so he earned himself an extra 30 seconds. He added one more drive during bonus time for a total of eight home runs in the first round.

--- 7:45 p.m.

Major League Baseball has adjusted the Home Run Derby's new format to protect against the possibility of more rain - it's an ominous forecast.

The elimination bracket stays the same, the time allotments have been changed.

Each batter will now have four minutes, instead of five, to hit as many long balls as possible. A 475-foot homer will no longer get a player a 60-second bonus. Now, a player gets an extra 30 seconds for two home runs over 425 feet.

The pairings stay the same though:

- Cincinnati's Todd Frazier is paired with two-time champion Prince Fielder of Texas in the first round. rookie Kris Bryant is together with the ' Albert Pujols, Toronto's Josh Donaldson is in a bracket with the Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo and rookie Joc Pederson takes on Baltimore's Manny Machado.

The Frazier-Fielder winner faces Donaldson or Rizzo, and the Bryant-Pujols winner goes against Pederson or Machado.

--- 7:20 p.m.

The Reds' own Todd Frazier stepped into the batter's box for Home Run Derby batting practice, prompting loud ovation from the Great American Ball Park crowd.

Fans cheered each of his home runs while Frank Sinatra's ''Fly Me to the Moon'' played on the stadium PA system.

--- 6:10 p.m.

The sun is shining at Great American Ball Park after heavy rains earlier in the day, and the National League All-Stars are taking the field for batting practice.

A large billboard on an easel stands near the batting cage showing the bracket for the Home Run Derby, each player represented by his headshot. Currently, the bracket is filled out to with hometown favorite Todd Frazier beating Baltimore's Manny Machado.

--- 5:55 p.m.

New baseball Commissioner does not like the idea of playing doubleheaders to create more days off during the 183-day season.

Manfred said during a town hall chat with fans on Monday that he thinks if the league does anything dramatically different, it'd be better off shortening the schedule.

Also, while Manfred intends to review 's application for reinstatement, he has no such plans for the banned members of the 1919 .

He says the White Sox players were eligible for the Hall of Fame and were on the ballot for several years despite not being elected.

He says it's better for historians than MLB to figure out how to treat Buck Weaver and the other players involved in that scandal.

Manfred also says there is a possibility that disabled list rules may change to give teams greater flexibility. He says he wouldn't be surprised to see the duration of a player's stay on the list shortened from 15 days.

--- 4:20 p.m.

The fashion accessory of media day: children.

Matt Holliday, A.J. Burnett, Jose Iglesias, Felix Hernandez and Prince Fielder all had help at the mic during their question and answer sessions. Fielder's 10-year-old son Jadyn was given a chance to ask his dad a question.

The youngster mulled it over for a moment and queried, ''How many tattoos do you have?'' Prince couldn't give an answer. Too many to . King Felix's son - prince Felix? - walked off with his dad's name placard.

Holliday was flanked by his sons, both with their gloves, ready to play even if dad is ineligible because he is injured. Iglesias' son got in the spirit of the Cincinnati mustache craze: He had a handle-bar mustache drawn on his upper lip.

--- 3:35 p.m.

With sold-out crowds expected at Great American Ball Park the next two nights, Delaware North Sportservice is preparing quite a feast for the fans.

In addition to serving what they estimate to be over 1 million pounds of popcorn, 301,000 gallons of soda and 263,000 hot dogs, Delaware North is hosting a pig roast - two pigs a day on a spit on the concourse beyond right field - and cooking a 64 (!) pound turkey.

--- 3:30 p.m.

The torrential downpour has stopped and workers in bright red polo shirts are sweeping away the water accumulated on a public concourse.

Home run derby news conference host Karl Ravech reassures everyone the sluggers should get to swing on Monday night.

Ravech says officials have consulted with popular Weather Channel meteorologist and storm tracker Jim Cantore, ''who loves it when it looks like the world is ending.''

Ravech says Cantore believes the derby will go on.

--- 2:50 p.m.

While it's not as immense and wacky as the spectacle that is Super Bowl media day, the NL All- Stars were grilled by more than 150 reporters for about an hour in a hotel ballroom.

Among the most unusual questions overheard on Monday ahead of the home run derby: What super power would you want? Is the hot dog a sandwich?

Pittsburgh pitcher was caught off-guard by the super power question. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo quickly offered: ''to fly.''

Rizzo was adamant that a hot dog is not a sandwich: ''A hot dog is a hot dog.'' ---

2:30 p.m.

The field at Great American Ball Park is getting soaked as weather officials in Cincinnati warn of thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service says minor flooding near Cincinnati is possible. Another wave of heavy rain is expected to arrive Monday evening.

Only one home run derby has ever been rained out - 1988's contest in Cincinnati's old Riverfront Stadium. Last year's derby was delayed for rain at Minnesota's .

There's only a 30 percent chance of storms for Tuesday's All-Star Game.

http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/07/12/senior-citizen-first-pitches-hot-clicks

Monday's A.M. Hot Clicks: RUZ; Very Old People Throw First Pitches

By Andy Gray / SI.com July 14, 2015

It was a great weekend for old people doing sporty things. On Saturday, 108-year-old Mariners fan Evelyn Jones became the oldest person to throw out a first pitch when she fired a strike to Felix Hernandez. Jones's record overshadowed 104-year-old Orioles fan Cora Purcell (who threw out the first pitch before Saturday's game against the Nats) and 's 98-year-old daughter Julia Ruth Stevens (who threw out the first pitch before Sunday's Red Sox-Yankees game). To top it off, NBC Nightly News featured the Albuquerque Cruisin' Big Dogs, a badass basketball team made up of women in their 80s and 90s.

http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/07/13/home-run-derby-manny-machado-adam-jones- salsa

Manny Machado had a salsa break during the Home Run Derby

SI.com July 13, 2015

In the middle of blasting 12 homers in Monday’s Home Run Derby, young Orioles star Manny Machado stopped to have a snack.

With MLB changing the derby format to include timed rounds, each player is granted one timeout per round. Most contestants use their break to grab a drink, wipe the sweat off their face and give their arms a break. Machado wanted a snack, too.

Machado has his own brand of salsa, with unoriginal name “Machado’s Salsa.” So when he called time, teammate Adam Jones was ready with a jar of salsa and a plate of chips.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/machado-runs-buzzsaw-home-run-derby

Machado runs into a buzzsaw at Home Run Derby

By Peter Hailey / CSN Baltimore July 13, 2015

For a guy known more for his overall hitting ability than his home run prowess, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado turned in a very impressive performance in the first round of Monday's Home Run Derby. The only problem was that his opponent, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, decided to go into "I'm going to hit every ball I see 450 feet and there's nothing you can do about it mode" on his way to topping Machado's total in startling fashion.

In the Derby's new format, players were matched up with each other in a single elimination bracket. Machado and Pederson squared off in the No. 4 vs. No. 5 seed slot at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, and the battle did not disappoint.

Machado hit first, and came out wearing a backwards cap, paying homage to Reds legend Ken Griffey Jr., who once took the same stage wearing the same thing. The O's young star then belted 12 home runs over the course of his round, including a few moon shots that travelled 455, 461, and 469 feet.

It was the type of showing that Machado's fans probably felt very confident about, and for good reason: It would take a very strong showing from Pederson to surpass it. But very early on in the Dodgers rookie's turn, it became clear that Machado would've been better served hitting another 10 round trippers, because Pederson was locked in from the get-go.

When all was said and done, Pederson hit home run No. 13 with over a minute to spare. It was an incredible display of power, and pretty much overshadowed anything Machado did just a few minutes earlier. With that being said, Baltimore fans should be proud of the 23-year-old, and can rest assured knowing fans around the nation now have a better idea of how talented Machado is.

http://www.csnbaltimore.com/blog/orioles-talk/al-lineup-announced-adam-jones-not-usual- position

AL lineup announced with Adam Jones not in usual position

CSN Baltimore July 13, 2015

Adam Jones is starting his third consecutive All-Star Game, but not in his usual position.

Jones will play left field instead of center with Angels star Mike Trout manning the middle. Jones will bat sixth for Ned Yost's American League squad. Here are the full 2015 MLB All-Star Game lineups:

AMERICAN LEAGUE CF Mike Trout, LAA 3B Josh Donaldson, TOR 1B Albert Pujols, LAA DH Nelson Cruz, SEA RF Lorenzo Cain, KC LF Adam Jones, BAL C Salvador Perez, KC 2B Jose Altuve, HOU SS Alcides Escobar, KC (LHP Dallas Keuchel, HOU)

NATIONAL LEAGUE CF Andrew McCutchen, PIT 3B Todd Frazier, CIN RF Bryce Harper, WSH 1B Paul Goldschmidt, AZ C Buster Posey, SF DH Anthony Rizzo, CHC SS Jhonny Peralta, STL LF Joc Pederson, LAD 2B D.J. LeMahieu, COL (RHP Zack Greinke, LAD)

http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/07/13/after-finishing-first-half-at-500-orioles-expect- improvement-during-second-half

After Finishing First Half At .500, Orioles Expect Improvement During Second Half

By Paul Folkemer / PressBoxonline.com July 13, 2015

For the Orioles, a first half of peaks and valleys finished on even ground.

The O's, who struggled during April and May and then took off in June, settled back at the .500 mark with their 10th loss during their past 13 games July 12. The Birds' 3-2 defeat against the put their season record at 44-44 entering the All-Star break.

It wasn't the way the O's wanted to head into their four-day break. But as the Birds packed their bags and prepared to head to their respective homes after their July 12 game, they focused on the positive.

"I feel comfortable with the team we have here," third baseman Manny Machado said. "We have a great pitching staff. … Our bats are there. We've just got to put it together and keep fighting. It's a long season, and we've just got to keep grinding it out.

"This is part of the game, part of the process. It's a long season ahead, a lot of moving parts going on. That's just how July is. Trades start coming up, and people start getting released, and team chemistry starts getting tested. … We've just got to keep fighting, come back and just start off the second half hot."

Catcher Matt Wieters expressed confidence in his teammates, and he said the O's simply need all the components of their team to jell at the same time.

"Score more runs, give up less runs and play better defense," Wieters said. "It's a joint thing. We haven't really felt we've been able to hit on all centers, where the offense and pitching has kind of clicked together. So that's the key. The starting pitching is throwing the ball well, and they need to keep doing that, and the offense [needs to] step up a little bit."

For manager Buck Showalter, a return to full health for the majority of the roster could be the key to contending during the second half. The Orioles put 12 different players on the disabled list during the first half, with key contributors such as Wieters, shortstop J.J. Hardy, second baseman Jonathan Schoop and right-hander Kevin Gausman spending time on the shelf. Center fielder Adam Jones, too, missed 11 games due to injury.

"Try to keep in mind that we had four or five guys that were missing past the first half that we have back now, whether it be Jonathan or Matt or J.J.," Showalter said. "Adam was down for a while. Gausman's been out for a while. I try to stay on the positive side of that. Knock on wood - - they're going to be there for us where we didn't have them. We had some good people come in and keep us engaged in the competition, and we're there.

"I have a lot of confidence. I look at all the answers that we're going to need are in our lineup and in our organization. And I'm very confident in the people we have."

Showalter added he pays more attention to the team's effort on the field than to its record, and he was confident that the Orioles would be ready to play when the season resumes in Detroit July 17.

"The effort's been great," Showalter said. "The want-to has been there. I didn't even know what our record was until [reporters] told me. … We're trying to win the next game. That's in Detroit. And I want these guys to get as far away from it as they can and take some pride in the way they've competed, and knowing that it's still there for them."

The good news for the Orioles is that no other team has run away with the American League East race. The O's finish the first half in third place in the division, four games behind the New York Yankees, putting the Birds within striking distance.

"I think we're in a unique position right now, just like everybody else," Jones said. "No one's 10 games up. ... Come out the second half ready to go, because it's time to focus. Time to put your head down, ride it out, get into July, August and ride it out into September."

Wieters agreed.

"We look at it as 162 games, and we've got a shot in the second half, which is what you want," Wieters said. "So we'll get these four days off, be nice and rested, and be ready to go for Detroit when we come back. … We're still in it, which is what you want going into the second half, and now we've just got to come back and play better baseball."

With the non-waiver trade deadline approaching July 31, Jones expressed hope that the O's could make an acquisition or two to bolster their roster for the stretch run.

"Hopefully, we're buyers at the trade deadline," Jones said. "Every team could use one or two guys to help out. … Obviously, one or two guys that are out there on the open market could definitely help this team. But I'm not the GM, so I don't know those moves. They don't ask me."

But regardless of whether the O's make a significant trade, Showalter insisted the Orioles will play to their true level over time.

"You are who you are at every point in the season," Showalter said. "That's the beauty of baseball season in the big leagues. You play so many games. There's no Cinderellas. There's no flukes. You are what you are, and what you've done in April, you have to be responsible for it, good and bad. So I think our best baseball's ahead of us."

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/07/14/brittany-ghiroli-on-concerns-for-the-orioles-at-the-all- star-break/

Brittany Ghiroli On Concerns For The Orioles At The All Star Break

CBS Baltimore July 14, 2015

Brittany Ghiroli is the Orioles beat reporter for MLB.com.

Brittany joined Ed and Ken to talk about where the Orioles stand at the All-Star break.

Brittany started off by talking about whether or not fans should be concerned about the Orioles struggles heading into the All-Star break saying “I think anytime you lose 10 of 13 there is definitely some concern…they have to be more consistent it seems like everything they did well on they’re good run they haven’t been doing at all…they’re frustratingly inconsistent.”

Brittany also talked about the struggles of opening day starter and if she is concerned about whether he can right the ship saying “very concerned, Ubaldo Jimenez had a better ERA than Tillman and people crucified him and he got removed from the rotation…how the rotation will shape up is going to be one of the better story lines of the second half.”

Brittany also talked about whether the Orioles will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, and if she thinks any of the Orioles pending free agents will return.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/07/13/orioles-hit-season-midpoint-tied-for-third/

Orioles Hit Season Midpoint Tied For Third

By Jessica Kartalija / CBS Baltimore July 13, 2015

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It’s the midway point for the Orioles. The team reached the All Star break tied for third in the American League East.

Jessica Kartalija has more on how fans feel about the Birds at this point in the season.

Two home runs by Adam Jones weren’t enough. The Orioles lost another game to the Nationals Sunday, dropping to .500 as they head into the All Star break.

The first half of the season, the O’s were inconsistent. The team fell to third place, behind the Yankees and .

“You are who you are at every point in the season. That’s the beauty of baseball in the big leagues. You play so many games, there’s no Cinderellas; there’s no flukes. You are what you are,” said Coach Buck Showalter.

The O’s have won 44 games. This time last year, they’d won 52 games; in 2013, 53.

So what does the team need to do for the remainder of the season to turn things around?

“They need to buckle down and tighten up with defense. Pitching most definitely needs to improve,” said one.

“Put some pitching and offense together, you know, start hitting the ball,” said another. “I think the Orioles need to continue to come out and continue to play the way they are playing and keeping the fans here in Baltimore happy,” a fan said.

“Start hitting the ball,” another fan said. “Keep relying on Buck because Buck is the man.” The Orioles start the second half on the road in Detroit on Friday.

http://www.people.com/article/104-year-old-first-pitch-baltimore-orioles-game

104- and 108-Year-Old Fans Throw Out First Pitches at Weekend Baseball Games

By Diana Pearl / People.com July 13, 2015

You're never too old for America's pastime.

Cora Purcell, a 104-year-old fan, is living proof of that sentiment. The centenarian threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Orioles' home game against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. And for 104 years old, she has quite the arm.

But even at 104, Purcell wasn't the oldest person throwing out a first pitch this weekend: 108- year-old Evelyn Jones stepped onto the mound at a game – with several of her great-great-grandchildren in the stands.

Keep up with your favorite celebs in the pages of PEOPLE Magazine by subscribing now.

Jones' toss to Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández broke the world record for the oldest person to ever throw the first pitch at a baseball game.

It was a great weekend for baseball – and the over-100 set.

http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/mlb-networks-buck-showalter-documentary-hits-all-the-right- spots.html

MLB Network’s Buck Showalter Documentary Hits All the Right Spots

By Joe Lucia / AwfulAnnouncing.com July 13, 2015

On Wednesday, MLB Network Presents returns with the first of two features this week. The first film is entitled Buck Showalter: A Life in Baseball, and is a deep dive into highly-respected Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

The film is narrated by Bob Costas, and features an in-depth interview between Costas and Showalter. The pair talk about Showalter growing up (he might have become a groundskeeper if he didn’t get involved in baseball), his collegiate career, and his beginnings as a coach and a manager.

While the documentary doesn’t touch on every moment of Showalter’s career, it does discuss his tenure as a coach and manager in the Yankees organization, his mindset when his Orioles faced Derek Jeter in his last game at Yankee Stadium, his current managing style, the difference between managing in the AL and NL, and his attempts to blend old school and new school philosophies.

Showalter also touches on his career of futility in the Postseason. He won his first playoff series last season with the Orioles after being thumped in the three different times. This section of the film is particularly insightful, as a particularly miffed Showalter expands on the different managing styles required throughout the year and in October.

Something I found interesting about this documentary was the lack of outside interviews. Normally in films like this, the focus is taken off of the subject as other people get plenty of screen time. In this one, the only people other than Showalter and Costas to be featured are former Yankees GM Gene Michael, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, and Showalter’s wife Angela. Do we really need to hear from a parade of players, coaches, and executives? Hearing Showalter talk about himself and his experiences is a bit more interesting to me than hearing other people (that may not be all that close to him) describing his life.

All in all, it’s another solid effort from MLB Network. Most of their MLB Network Presents features have at least been “good”, and this one isn’t an exception to that rule. Hopefully, we’ll get more of these features once we enter the offseason because baseball fans could definitely use more original films like this series has produced.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/13/middle-relievers-getting-their-due-at-all- star-gam/

Middle relievers getting their due at All-Star Game

Associated Press/ Washington Times July 13, 2015

CINCINNATI (AP) - Darren O'Day can count his career saves on the fingers of both hands - only 10 digits needed to sum up his eight years of relief work in the majors. Kelvin Herrera needs only one hand to tally his saves total.

No matter. Managers know the value of having a bullpen full of dependable setup men and specialists who can hold a lead long enough to bring in the big-name closer, and that’s reflected in these All-Star Game rosters.

“People are noticing that it’s similar to being a closer,” said O'Day, the sidearming righty who usually pitches the seventh or eighth inning for the Baltimore Orioles. “You go out there and get three outs, four outs. Sometimes you might even have a harder job than a closer. “I wouldn’t say we do the same thing, but it’s similar.”

And in many ways, just as valuable. An All-Star closer is of little use if he rarely gets to pitch with a lead because the rest of the bullpen is leaky.

“You have to have those guys,” Cardinals closer said. “They’re invaluable.”

Some of those guys might get to show off at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night, well before any save situations develop.

In the last six years, there have been 17 relievers picked as All-Stars who had fewer than five saves at midseason, according to STATS. By comparison, there were only 10 such players chosen from 2001-09, and only six such players from 1971-2000.

“Especially on an All-Star team, you want to highlight closers,” American League manager Ned Yost of Kansas City said. “But I think setup men have become more prominent in the game, this year and last year, too. We did take a couple of premier setup men.”

There were four relievers with fewer than five saves in the All-Star game last year: Pat Neshek, , Dellin Betances and Tony Watson. O'Day and Herrera fit the profile this year.

Betances has seven saves this year after filling in as the Yankees’ closer when Andrew Miller was injured, but he still qualifies in the way he’s used.

Nobody questions the value of those setup guys in Cincinnati. The Reds had a blueprint for bullpen success in 1990, when they won the World Series behind the Nasty Boys trio of Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers.

This year, they’ve got one of the most electric closers in the game with All-Star , who throws 103 mph and has blown only one save chance. But the lack of a dependable has left him with only 19 such chances.

The Cardinals have invested in their bullpen over the years, helping to define how it’s used nowadays. Manager emphasized the setup role on his All-Star team last year.

“I think everyone understands the importance of bullpen roles beyond the closer in today’s game, and I was happy to reward some of those pitchers last season,” Matheny said. “If you’re one of the best at what you do at your position, you deserve to be an All-Star.”

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/07/13/nolan-arenado-kris-bryant-manny- machado-justin-upton-troy-tulowitzki/30112129/

Kids in play: Why youth rules MLB's All-Star Game

By Gabe Lacques / USA TODAY July 13, 2015

CINCINNATI – By the time was 12 years old, he'd already made it to Cooperstown – as part of a travel baseball team.

Kris Bryant still remembers the year-round schedule he played as a 9-year-old youth player in – 172 games, from January to December.

And when Manny Machado was a mere 6-year-old in , he idolized not Ken Griffey or , but rather , who in 1998 set the bar for performance by a 20-year-old that seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime proposition.

Monday, Arenado, Bryant, Machado and 17 young men just like them converged on Cincinnati, not so much for baseball's 86th All-Star Game as much as a celebration of the youth that seems bent on taking over the sport.

There are 20 players 25 or younger in this game. Eight of them are repeat honorees. And an unprecedented six players in that group are already making their third All-Star appearance.

It may be cyclical. It could be an offshoot of stronger drug or amphetamine testing, or aging stars like Derek Jeter vacating the stage.

And it may just be a matter of simple evolution, borne of superior coaching techniques and, for many of these youngsters, total baseball immersion.

"Maybe the big leagues isn't as big of a jump now because of all these travel teams, facing the best of the best, facing velocity that you only saw in the big leagues before," says shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, making his fourth All-Star appearance at 30, and a 25-year- old first timer once himself. "There's something to be said about it."

Tulowitzki took a special interest in honing the skills of his teammate, Arenado, who debuted at 22 and at 24 is one of the finest two-way players in the game. Tulowitzki says hard work made the difference in Arenado's evolution the past two years. "That's his story," he says.

But the foundation was there. Arenado grew up in Orange County, the epitome of a California hotbed of year-round baseball. By 10, he was traveling as far as Houston for tournaments. By 12, he was in Cooperstown.

And by his senior year in high school, he was taking part in a Major League Baseball-sanctioned pre-draft workout at its Urban Youth Academy up the road in Los Angeles when he was blown away by the youngest participant.

"I said, there's no way this guy is a sophomore in high school," Arenado said.

He was speaking, of course, of Bryce Harper, who hit a home run that day and in 2010 would be the No. 1 pick in the draft. An All-Star at 20, Harper and fellow 2012 Rookie of the Year Mike Trout were viewed as aberrations.

Now, it's clear they were harbingers of the forthcoming wave.

"This whole game is getting very young," Harper said Monday. "The next couple of years, you'll see even more guys coming up from the minors who are that young. I'm excited to be a part of it."

Harper's true breakout season – he has 26 homers and a sublime 1.168 on-base plus slugging for the Washington Nationals – may make him the midseason favorite forNational League MVP. Naturally, of the Year co-favorite has strong Harper ties, too.

That would be Bryant, who played youth ball with Harper, opted to play three years of college ball and now, at 23, has produced 12 home runs and an .848 OPS for the Chicago Cubs.

Bryant easily reels off the number of games that 9-year-old season – 172! – and says the grind was a key part of his development.

"I played baseball. That's all I played. I think that's a big reason why I'm here today," he said. "We played a whole lot of baseball, from January to December. It might have been a little too much, but I wasn't tired at all. I enjoyed it.

"I never got burned out. It's hard to get burned out when you have so much fun playing the game, you realize it's just a game, and to have fun with it."

They're also re-defining the meaning of phenom. No longer does one debut, shuttle back to the minors once or twice before easing into peak production seasons and All-Star accolades in the late 20s.

Justin Upton was the No. 1 overall pick a decade ago and has been a rousing success, debuting at 19 and now making his fourth All-Star appearance at 27. Yet even Upton didn't so much as play more than 133 games a season until he was 23.

These days, finishing school is an antiquated notion – or perhaps it just happens sooner.

"They're polished, man," Upton says of the new school of stars. "Polished out of high school, polished out of college. And most of them are ready for the big leagues in one or two years. These guys are really good at a really young age.

"I don't know if I ever played 100-some games a year. I played my high school season, played my summer events, play four weekends in the fall. That was about it. The more reps you get, the more you play the game, the better you get."

And perhaps it's as simple as evolution, as Orioles outfielder Adam Jones, 29, notes. He says young players nowadays swing wood bats before they're teenagers; he didn't start that practice until he was 16.

"I've been hearing about Bryce Harper since he was 12," says Jones. "Ten years later, he's here."

Or perhaps the youth infusion will be a passing phase, and that we are witnessing an aberration of the best kind – a glut of transcendent, precocious talent.

"There's a lot of people swinging wood bats earlier," says Rangers All-Star DH Prince Fielder, "but they don't turn into Mike Trout. It's just a lot of talent right now."

Enough to inspire folks like Upton and Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – Harper's likeliest foil for NL MVP – that they're not exactly over the hill.

"I'm still young," says Goldschmidt, a three-time All-Star himself at 27. "They're not that (much) younger than me. Just trying to stay young as long as I can."

That gets a little more challenging every season.